The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Chris Woodward as the new first base coach, replacing Clayton McCullough in the role after he joined the Miami Marlins as their manager.
Woodward rejoins the Dodgers coaching staff after spending last season as a senior advisor to Major League and player development. This marks Woodward’s second stint on the coaching staff, as he previously served as Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018.
Woodward helped the Dodgers reach the World Series in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018 before taking over as the Texas Rangers manager in 2019. He managed 498 games for the Rangers, recording 211 wins before his dismissal on August 15, 2022.
“We are thrilled to have Chris Woodward back on the coaching staff,” general manager Brandon Gomes said in a statement. “He has been a staple to this organization, helping us to back-to-back NL pennants and was a key cog to our success last season.
“Chris will be an invaluable part to the team moving forward as he will take over base running and infield responsibilities while third base coach Dino Ebel will shift over to outfield duties, making for one of the most talented duos in all of baseball.”
Last season, Dino Ebel served as the infield and baserunning coach as well while McCullough worked with the outfielders. As Gomes noted, Woodward will now take over work as the infield coach and baserunning coach while Ebel will assist the outfielders in addition to their respective duties as base coaches.
The 48-year-old began his coaching career in 2012 with the Seattle Mariners, serving various roles throughout his Seattle career, including first base coach in 2015.
The Southern California native played 12 Major League seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays (1999-2004, 2011), New York Mets (2005-06), Atlanta Braves (2007), Seattle Mariners (2009-10) and Boston Red Sox (2009). He recorded 33 homers and 191 RBI in 659 games, while playing seven different positions on the field and posting a career .966 fielding percentage.
Dodgers coaching staff for 2025 season
The only change on the coaching staff from last year is the replacement of McCullough with Woodward. The rest of the group is expected to remain unchanged for the 2025 season.
Manager: Dave Roberts
Bench coach: Danny Lehmann
Major League field coordinator: Bob Geren
Hitting coaches: Robert Van Scoyoc and Aaron Bates
Pitching coach: Mark Prior
Assistant pitching coach: Connor McGuiness
First base coach: Chris Woodward
Third base coach: Dino Ebel
Bullpen coach: Josh Bard
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